Chargers Cesaire and Bingham Filling the Void at Defensive End

When Igor Olshansky signed a four-year, $18-million deal with the Dallas Cowboys this March it opened a highly prized starting spot on the Chargers’ defensive line. But those competing to line-up with Jamal Williams and Luis Castillo in San Diego know it will be done by committee.

A free agent wasn’t signed to fill the spot. The promotion was earned from within.

Now, Jacques Cesaire has been tapped to be the starter after six years in the league. The 6’2″ 295-pounder out of Southern Connecticut State, who had 21 tackles and two sacks last season, knows little will change despite the title of starter.

Both he and Ryon Bingham have been rotating in for each other with the Chargers their entire NFL career. Things aren’t going to be all that different this year and that is fine with them.

The right defensive end position has been a three headed monster with the Chargers for years now. All three players had similar production and kept everyone fresh. A successful formula that looks to continue this season.

Cesaire, who will be 29 this month, has played in every game over the past five seasons, amassing 10 sacks and 145 tackles in that time. Maybe not as flashy as some of the other Chargers defenders, but a sound defender who knows the game.

Bingham, 28, has also proved durable having played in every game for the Bolts over the past three seasons. He finished with 25 tackles and 1.5 sacks in ’08, numbers that should rise with increased playing time.

The five year pro out of Nebraska will be the first off the sidelines when Cesaire or Castillo need a break. And at 6’3″, 303 lbs., the former champion wrestler is a formidable physical presence.

Both players are good against the run and pass, a fact that highlights their versatility. The ability of the Chargers to maintain a high level of play no matter who is in on any particular play is a luxury not many teams have.

The Chargers sport even more impressive depth at end with the addition of 6’4″, 327 lb., rookie Vaughn Martin. The fourth round draft choice out of Western Ontario will be able to learn a ton from the veterans surrounding him.

Martin, 22, won’t see a lot of time, particularly early on, but his ability to play nose guard might get him some extra snaps spelling the 33 year old Williams in the middle. 

Cesaire has been out of practice for the past few days with a calf injury giving extra reps to Bingham and Martin. The extra work is paying off too. Martin reportedly showed improved footwork and technique in this past weekend’s Fan Fest at Quallcomm Stadium. 

I plan to head over to the “Q” on Wednesday night to see the open practice being held. And finally, football is back in San Diego this Saturday when the Seahawks come to town for the opening pre-season game.

Malcom in the Middle: Is Floyd Ready to Step Up in San Diego?

Being older than clear No. 1 Vincent Jackson, but younger than veteran starter Chris Chambers, Chargers receiver Malcom Floyd finds himself in the middle of San Diego’s receiving corps. Which is right where he needs to be entering the prime of his career. 

Now, is he finally ready for the role? Can he be the reliable option the Chargers need him to be? Will he be able to stay healthy?

We’ll see. Only time will tell, but based on last year it may be in the cards. The offense is so stacked that any Chargers third receiver will be seeing some very favorable matchups.

Opposing defenses will undoubtedly devote much of their attention to stopping Jackson, Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson in the receiving game. That leaves everyone else open to exploit beneficial coverages. 

No doubt the steady Chambers is the other starter and a sturdier Craig Davis isn’t going to roll over for playing time, but Floyd, who turns 28 this Sept., has everything in his favor to open camp.

After playing in 13 games in 2008, with two starts, Floyd missed the end of the regular season and the playoffs after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 13. His ability to stay healthy is paramount, as it is with any NFL player. 

Despite that, it was the best year of his career by far. Floyd caught 27 balls, 77.7 percent for first downs, 465 yards, and four touchdowns. He also broke his previous deep-ball record by three yards with a 49 yard TD against New England in Week Six.

Not exactly eye popping numbers, but consider that those numbers doubled his career receptions, yards and touchdown numbers. He had 27 catches, 356 yards, and four touchdowns in his first 22 NFL games.

Floyd matched or exceeded all those statistics in 13 games last season in an offense where no receiver had more than 60 catches.  

Does anyone remember Alvin Harper ripping it up with limited opportunities across from Michael Irvin and Jay Novacek in Dallas? 

Who was the Cowboy’s offensive coordinator back then? Norv Turner of course, but I digress. 

Still, M-80 has never had a multiple TD game and has only one 100 yard receiving game in 35 career games played. And that was a 109 yard day against the Cincinnati Bengals in ’06, a year in which he finished with 210 total receiving yards after being sidelined with an ankle injury. 

Needless to say he’s got more to prove. Measuring in at 6′-5″, 225 lbs., Floyd has beyond prototypical size and speed, having run a 4.4 sec. 40 in pre-draft work-outs.

And looking at Chambers’ numbers from last year the similarities are ridiculous; the ninth-year wideout pulled down 33 catches for 462 yards and five TDs with 63.7 percent of those catches going for 1st downs.  

And entering his fifth year in the league, the former undrafted free agent out of Wyoming could be the poster boy for the old adage that receiver is the slowest position to adapt to the NFL game. 

But when I looked at his numbers, they made me wonder how good he could be with more opportunity. Of Floyd’s 27 catches, 21 went for first downs and his 17.2 yard-per-catch average was second only to Jackson on the team. So he’s no shrinking violet and has the tools for big plays.

While he did have more catches in the 4th quarter last season that any other last season with 11, his big plays waned with only one catch over 20 yards. That’s compared to eight first quarter catches, five of which went for more than 20 yards, last season. 

The most notable aspect of Floyd’s numbers I found is that the bulk of production came when the Chargers were behind. Of the 19 receptions he had when San Diego trailed, 73.7 percent went for first downs and five for more than 20 yards. Three TDs too. That’s clutch production people. 

This offense is so complete that this is only so-called skill position seeing a real battle in camp. Gates works the mid to deep middle while Jackson just goes deep. That leaves the outside and for Chambers and Floyd. Tomlinson, and now Darren Sproles, handle most underneath routes.  

It looks for now that Jackson won’t be suspended and the aging Chambers remains productive even though he hasn’t been as durable since his last season in Miami. Eventually, you’ve got to think that the Chargers would love to see Floyd grow into a more explosive version of Chambers, who turns 31 this month, on the other side of Jackson.

It’s been a tough road for Floyd after not being drafted, signed as a free agent, cut, re-signed to the practice squad before seeing limited playing time, cut again only to be relegated to the practice squad once more before being activated again.

It all payed off when the Chargers re-signed him to a one-year deal last season. This year he re-signed for a contract worth $1.5 million.

It would be nice to see the guy who’s first career TD reception, a 13 yarder against the Chiefs in ’04 that was also Philip Rivers’ first career TD strike, be in the middle of what the Chargers do this season. And that could be something special. 

Chargers Defense Poised To Regain Form

I confess, I love defense. Watching a really great defense dismantle an opponent into utter submission is one of my favorite things. And I’ve got to tell you, the San Diego Chargers have the potential to be a seriously dominant defensive unit this season.

Training camp has opened and everyone is healthy and hungry after a roller coaster 2008 season. Ron Rivera brings new focus as well as credentials in his first Chargers camp as defensive coordinator.

The man was on the ’85 Bears; they were animals racking up 64 sacks and 34 interceptions. Not much more needs to be said there.

But Rivera, in his entire nine-year career in Chicago, only started five of the 137 games he played in. And those were in his next to last season. Sounds like the consummate team player to me.

I don’t expect the schemes to be too exotic seeing as Rivera is only in his first full season at the helm of San Diego’s defense, but he’s got to be drooling over the vast abilities of the players he has to tinker with.

The Chargers will still run a base 3-4, but will incorporate some 4-3 looks to mix up coverages and send pressure from wherever a la the Ravens and Eagles when called for.

It’s not an easy scheme to execute but the Chargers have the unique personnel that can make it work. And when it works, it’s a beautifully orchestrated chaos even the best offenses can’t contend with.

Fortunately, the Bolts defenders will be able to simply beat the man in front of him most days. They’re that talented. Now they’re driven, too.

Everything starts with the big boys up front and expands through each layer of the defense. Run stuffing defensive linemen Jamal Williams and Luis Castillo will continue to make life miserable for opposing offensive lines. Throw in the recently drafted 6-4, 320 lb. man-child known as Vaughn Martin and the group has a far more brutish feel than previous years.

Inside linebackers Stephen Cooper, out of Maine of all places, and newly promoted Tim Dobbins can better diagnose where the play is going and get to the ball with the guards and center tied up. Cooper had a breakout season and should continue to improve and inspire teammates.

The release of longtime Charger Matt Wilhelm elevated the emerging Dobbins on the depth chart. This just adds another playmaker and more athleticism.

Also, the addition of linebacker Kevin Burnett from Dallas will give the defense some much needed versatility in coverage against tight ends which was a problem spot last season.

And we all know about the bookend outside linebackers. The blue hair and twitter rantings aside,  Shawne Merriman’s return after knee surgery really does elevate the defense. The attention he will again garner will give Shaun Phillips better match-ups rushing the passer.

Although Merriman will be doubled, tripled and chip blocked mercilessly, he will still destroy pockets, blow up backs and crush quarterbacks despite it all. Just a joy to watch. 

After having to step into Merriman’s shoes last year on the weak-side, Phillips will be back on the strong-side a more experienced and versatile defender. That, and the experience Jyles Tucker got at Phillips’ spot last season provides depth few will be able to stop.

And we can’t forget the drafting of Larry English in the First Round. The former defensive end is being converted to outside linebacker which adds even more firepower. The shift from three-point stance to a two-point stance playing in space is always a tricky adjustment but I expect English to flourish with mentors like Merriman and Phillips.

With such a formidable front seven wreaking havoc, the secondary will once again be able to prey on passers who are constantly under duress. Last season the secondary was in disarray dropping to 31st in the league against the pass from 14th the previous season. Interceptions also fell off a staggering 50 percent, from 30 to 15.

Antonio Cromartie’s healthy hip will be a big reason for the resurgence at corner for sure. Combined with sage veteran Quentin Jammer and the blossoming Antoine Cason, the AFC West quarterbacks are going to be in some trouble.

Safety is the one spot on the defense that doesn’t have a freakish specimen. That said, free safety Eric Weddle is a cerebral player that’s always in the right place (well, except on a particularly important punt return coverage in the playoffs) and led the team in tackles with 127.

It’s the strong safety spot that is more a of a question mark at this point. Kevin Ellison was drafted out of USC and embattled starter Clinton Hart is going to be pushed by the persistent Steve Gregory for time. It’s the most depth at the position in some time and the competition will only help make the secondary better.

New quarterbacks, coaches and coordinators litter the Chargers division which should make for some easy picks and numerous sacks. Not to mention keeping Philip Rivers and Co. on the field.

Now, while numbers are nice, the real dividends will be payed in wins and better playoff seeding. Making the other AFC contenders travel to glorious San Diego on the road to the Super Bowl should be great motivation. Well that, and not having to go to Pittsburgh or Foxboro in January.

They will also have a chance to see firsthand how they measure up against the leagues best defenses. Facing the Ravens, Steelers, Titans, Giants, Eagles and Cowboys will be challenges that will pump up the defense.

But for now it’s just the beginning of training camp and all the pieces are still being assembled. Merriman’s knee is being watched closely and Cromartie’s hip has had no set-backs which is to say everything is on schedule.

There is a sense that this collection of players might be a special group but nobody wants to jinx it early. Last season was too much of a struggle when previously it was seemingly effortless.

That seems to have had a humbling effect that will provide hunger and focus, which I expect to result in some devastating defensive plays. And I for one, will be looking forward to a season full of them.

What Hasn’t Been Talked About This San Diego Chargers Offseason

The return of Shawne Merriman’s from knee surgery and whether LaDainian Tomlinson’s groin will hold up have garnered all the San Diego Chargers headlines this off-season. While both are important, they’ve also been beaten to death.

The emergence of Darren Sproles and the drafting of Larry English make those storylines less interesting after the hundredth time. With training camp opening, it’s time to look beyond the obviously sexy stories and focus on what’s not being talked about.

Will a start receiver be suspended? Can a slow start be avoided facing AFC contenders in the opening weeks? How will the offensive line gel with some new faces? 

These are the things I see being obstacles for the Chargers season early on. Fortunately, they play in a stupid weak AFC West and will have plenty of chances to overcome whatever happens.

I mean who knows, Matt Cassel could reinvent Larry Johnson in Kansas City or Kyle Orton could be the mountain man in Denver that Jake Plummer never wanted to be. But let’s be real, the Chargers are hands down, forget about it, division shoo in’s. That said, there might be a few things that could slow them down.

It all starts with Vincent Jackson’s DUI arrest on Jan. 6, of this year. It was kind of off the radar until a ruling in a June 11, evidence hearing went against him. A judge denied the request to throw out a blood test result.

This was not good for Mr. Jackson. The results showed a blood alcohol content of .17, more than double legal limit. Already on five-years probation for a 2006 DUI conviction, he could actually be in some trouble.

Additionally, Jackson was described by the police as being “recalcitrant” throughout the arrest. I’m sure it’s a word the commissioner Goodell is familiar with and would be none too pleased.

Having you’re arms handcuffed behind a chair can’t be a fun way to have blood drawn. That was after a breathalyzer test was requested by Jackson but wasn’t able to register a result. That, and him supposedly being a jackass in custody, is why the blood was drawn that way. 

Jamal Williams already got off on a DUI charge earlier this year. Jackson was allowed to play in the post-season after his arrest. But now it’s clear he was bombed behind the wheel. Again.

No surprise the Chargers haven’t offered a contract extension yet. 

With Donte’ Stallworth’s recent conviction Goodell’s going to have a hard time doing nothing. I would guess a four game suspension would be in the offing if he’s convicted of anything.

For now, until the legal system deals with it, at a glacial pace in most NFL circumstances, I doubt Goodell wants it on his plate.

And you never know, Jackson could get off scot-free. It’s been known to happen, but I think that’s unlikely given the climate.

Make no doubt about it though, losing his deep threat will have a ripple effect across the offense disrupting the continuity. He ranked second in the NFL with seven receptions over 40 yards and had nearly 12 percent of his 59 catches go for touchdowns. This is big-time production. 

Even if the suspension is only four games, it would take room away from Antonio Gates over the middle and would keep safeties more focused on what’s coming out of the backfield. With Jackson, the offense is able to stretch the defense which creates space for explosive plays. 

Also, no other Chargers receiver has Vincent’s ability to muscle out defenders and go up and get the ball down field. Chris Chambers simply isn’t a deep threat and neither Malcolm Floyd or Buster Davis have the size or strength, not to mention durability, to make up for the loss of Jackson.

Jackson’s started every game the last two season while Davis and Floyd have four starts between them. Now, it’s not like if he gets suspended the Chargers are in the tank for the season, but they won’t be the same offense. 

And the offense is going to need to be on point from the get go. 

After opening in Oakland, the Ravens and Dolphins come to San Diego before the Chargers head to Pittsburgh. Three playoff teams, including the Superbowl champs, and the Raiders. Ouch.

At least the Bolts’ get their bye the following week and don’t play another AFC playoff team until a Week 16 trip to Tennessee. 

Going at least .500 or better the first quarter of the season would set them up nicely headed into the middle portion of the schedule where the Chargers can get fat on the rest of the AFC West.

The Chargers started 1-3 last season and had to go to the last day of regular season to make the playoffs. Not opening the season strong has been the main reason why the Chargers have had to go to New England and Pittsburgh in January with a Super Bowl berth is on the line.

I haven’t heard much about the Chargers offensive line but Marcus McNeill’s healthy return to the left tackle spot can’t be understated with the o-line seeing a lot of new faces. Everything seems fine to now, and maybe that’s why nobody is talking about it, but a neck is nothing to mess with.

Add that to guard Mike Goff’s K.C. departure and the room for error up front gets even smaller. Veteran guard Kynan Forney was signed from Atlanta and Louis Vasquez was drafted to help compensate for the loss but you just don’t replace Pro-Bowlers. 

McNeill has a history of neck problems going back to college but it hasn’t affected his durability to now as he’s only missed two games in three seasons at the offensive lines most important position. 

Held out of the OTA’s, big Marcus will give the offseason neck surgery it’s first real test at training camp. I’m sure he’ll be looked after closely by the coaching staff as they all know how costly a set-back could be; especially since there is little depth behind him. 

Now this isn’t exactly a under-reported story but I just marvel at the fact Norv Turner is now the longest tenured coach in the AFC West. For as long as I can remember Norv has been a head coaching pinata.

From Washington to Oakland, he’s just been railed on in the press and in the stands. Hopefully he lets some of the new guys in the AFC West take the shots this season. 

Lastly, next year’s issues could be a distraction and no one wants to talk about that either. I guess there’s no need to get ahead of ourselves but the stadium situation and cap concerns if the collective bargaining agreement isn’t taken care of couple put the Chargers in a tough spot when their Super Bowl window should be wide open. In A.J. Smith we trust I suppose.

And how about training camp being closed to the public due to a sinkhole created by a burst water pipe the City of San Diego didn’t fix? Omen? I doubt it, but I do think the Chargers should find a way to involve all the fans who planned to attend training camp.

As for me, I’ve been on the road for past couple weeks in D.C. and S.F. with a 24-hour S.D. stint sandwiched in there. Summer vacation I guess. It’s been fun but it’ll sure be nice to get back to San Diego and wild ass Mission Beach. My first NFL season in San Diego is underway.

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